2025-26 Departmental Plan: Horizontal Initiatives

Enhanced Nature Legacy

General information

Name of horizontal initiative

Enhanced Nature Legacy for Canada

Lead department

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Federal partner deparment(s)

Parks Canada Agency (PC)

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC)

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Start date

2021-22

End date

2025-26

Description

The objectives of the Enhanced Nature Legacy initiative are that: 1) Canada’s species at risk are recovered and 2) Canada’s ecosystems, landscapes and biodiversity are protected.

Work to meet these objectives will be conducted in ways that a) advance reconciliation through support for Indigenous leadership and engagement in nature conservation, wildlife management and sustainable resource practices; and b) enhance the well-being of Canadians through employment, natural infrastructure and increased access to nature.

Governance structures

Continuing the model from the 2018 Nature Legacy initiative, ECCC convenes a Horizontal Initiative Oversight Committee, chaired by the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), and including the Vice-President of Protected Areas Establishment and Conservation at PC, the ADM of Aquatic Ecosystems at DFO, the ADM of Canadian Forestry Service, NRCan, and the ADM of Policy and Results, HICC. The Oversight Committee developed for Nature Legacy has been combined with Enhanced Nature Legacy to ensure consistency and efficiencies between initiatives. The Oversight Committee is responsible for ensuring that the initiative is properly managed. To that end, it meets at least yearly during the life of the initiative—on an ad hoc basis when useful—and guides effective and efficient implementation of the initiative, ensures coordination, and supports timely and accurate reporting on results. It is also responsible for resolving any disputes related to implementation of the Enhanced Nature Legacy.

A Director General-level Steering Committee chaired by ECCC and involving PC, DFO, NRCan and HICC, supports the Oversight Committee. It will maintain flexibility to use existing and/or establish new horizontal working groups, including to facilitate regional coordination, as required. These working groups, established at the Director or senior advisor level, will operate under terms of reference approved by the Oversight Committee.

Total federal funding allocated from start to end date (dollars)

$2,377,392,272

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars)

$1,116,442,674

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars)

$1,054,327,131

Date of last renewal of initiative

Not applicable

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal and source of funding (dollars)

Not applicable

Additional federal funding received after last renewal (dollars)

$184,045,993

Total planned spending since last renewal

Not applicable

Total actual spending since last renewal

Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation

Not applicable

Planning highlight

The Enhanced Nature Legacy (ENL) Initiative builds on and extends the 2018 Nature Legacy initiative (NL2018), and delivers on the Government’s nature agenda as set out in the 2020 and 2021 Speech from the Throne. The Speech from the Throne in 2021 committed Canada to conserve 25% of our country’s land and 25% of our country’s oceans by 2025 and work toward 30% of each by 2030. We will continue to develop an ambitious plan and implement actions on the ground to achieve these targets.
Recognizing that the loss of nature is a global issue requiring global action, the Government, as a member of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, also advocated that countries around the world set a “high ambition” of 30% conservation of land and water for 2030. Through Canada’s strong leadership, this ambition was formalized through the adoption of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in Montréal in December 2022. Such commitment led to the 2030 Nature Strategy that layed out a path for Canada to achieve the goals and targets of the GBF. Its success will rely on a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches to biodiversity conservation, notably on Indigenous leadership.

Protected Areas

This plan supports the creation of new protected areas, such as national parks, national wildlife areas and many other partner-led protected areas such as Indigenous-led protected areas and privately protected areas. It also supports the recognition of areas that are achieving the conservation of biodiversity (known as Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs)), and the effective management of existing and new areas to achieve biodiversity objectives.

In 2025-26, ECCC will continue to expand Canada’s network of protected and conserved areas by:

• completing land acquisitions to grow the Department’s network of National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) and designating them for protection in the Wildlife Area Regulations as timelines and regulatory processes allow
• supporting the creation of new protected and conserved areas on private lands in Southern Canada by working with Environmental Non-Government Organizations (ENGOs) and land-trust partners through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) and Ecological Gifts Program
• supporting, through the Indigenous-led Area-Based Conservation (ILABC) program, work towards the establishment of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), Metis Protected and Conserved Areas, Inuit Conserved Areas and other Indigenous-led conservation areas that may count toward Canada’s conservation targets once established

Building upon the 2024 establishment of Pituamkek National Park Reserve, Parks Canada will continue to work towards the establishment of up to nine new national parks and up to four freshwater national marine conservation areas. In 2025-26, Parks Canada will conclude negotiations at one site (South Okanagan, BC), advance three feasibility assessments currently underway for candidate national park and national park reserve locations (Seal River MB, Peel River YK, and Ross River YK) and move toward active negotiations for establishment. Engagement with Indigenous partners, provincial and territorial governments and other stakeholders will continue for further candidate locations in order to move into the feasibility assessment and/or negotiations phase. Parks Canada will also continue to effectively manage existing national parks to maintain and improve their ecological integrity, which will contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss in Parks Canada administered places. In 2025-26, Parks Canada will continue to support evidence-based planning, ecological monitoring, ecological restoration, research and research collaborations, and engagement with partners and stakeholders, particularly Indigenous partners, seeking to maintain and restore ecological integrity on 92% of ecosystems it manages and support the efforts to adapt to pressures such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and invasive species.

Species at Risk

Work under this horizontal initiative to support the recovery of Canada’s species at risk (SAR), the conservation of migratory birds and the protection of Canada’s ecosystems, landscapes and biodiversity continues to be a priority for ECCC. Until the end of the ENL funding cycle in 2025-26 and through planned funding renewal, the Department will continue to fulfill key statutory obligations under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) to protect and recover Canada’s SAR, other wildlife, and their habitats by considering science, national policy and strategy, and Indigenous Knowledge while promoting and facilitating collaborative conservations efforts focused on priorities under the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming SAR Conservation in Canada (PCA). This includes the following:

• supporting decisions on COSEWIC assessments resulting in changes to Schedule 1 of SARA, i.e., the official list of SAR in Canada, to reduce the backlog of species listing decisions
• publishing recovery documents for SAR under the Department’s responsibility
• publishing reports on progress made by provinces, territories, and federal actions towards protecting critical habitat for terrestrial species
• funding projects led by federal land managers to contribute to SAR recovery and critical habitat conservation on federally-administered lands
• supporting timely and transparent decision making for SAR through the development and delivery of standardized policies, guidance and tools

Priority initiatives under the PCA to support and advance SARA implementation include the following:

• advancing conservation outcomes for the six federal-provincial-territorial Priority Species, namely Barren-ground Caribou, Boreal Caribou, Greater Sage-Grouse, Peary Caribou, Southern Mountain Caribou, and Wood Bison
• strengthening collaboration with partners, improved governance, decisive action, and a heightened level of investment and ambition. This includes continued work by PC to support the recovery of Southern Mountain Caribou in Jasper National Park
• ensuring accountability and facilitating informed decision-making by reporting on the implementation of recovery strategies and action plans for priority species
• undertaking work on 22 species that are of high priority and require species-specific targeted actions
• exploring opportunities to enhance coordination efforts with various partners, including on other species of cultural significance with Indigenous peoples. Parks Canada will continue to work with Indigenous partners to strengthen cooperative and collaborative management of protected areas. This work will be measured by the overall number of Indigenous led projects
• advancing collaboration, governance, and conservation implementation planning, and increasing investments in implementation of on the ground actions to benefit SAR and other biodiversity in 12 existing Priority Places and 17 Community-Nominated Priority Places across the country
• continuing work with priority sectors (Agriculture, Forestry and Urban Development) to develop and implement Strategic Conservation Frameworks for SAR, while advancing Indigenous-led conservation of SAR and of cultural significance under the Indigenous Partnerships Initiative

Species at Risk funding also supports several approaches contributing to broader conservation objectives, which include:

• engaging with international partners to undertake activities for priority migratory birds. Around 78% of migratory bird species spend more than half of the year outside Canada, so their recovery is intrinsically linked to addressing threats occurring throughout their full annual life cycle
• nature Agreements with provinces and territories, led by ECCC. These agreements will advance shared interests in a more integrated approach to conserving nature, seeking to establish more protected areas, protect and recover species at risk and their habitat, supporting Indigenous leadership in conservation, and advancing the Government of Canada’s nature-based solutions to climate change
• advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis by supporting their leadership in conservation planning and action reflecting their unique priorities, needs, and rights related to lands and wildlife. Parks Canada will continue to work with Indigenous partners to strengthen cooperative and collaborative management of protected areas. This work will be measured by the overall number of Indigenous led projects

Enhanced Nature Legacy funding allows DFO to support in-the-water, multi-species, place-based and threat-based approaches to protect and recover aquatic species at risk. DFO will continue to use the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk to aim to build relationships with Indigenous Peoples, provinces and territories, industry and other partners for aquatic SAR by supporting and encouraging stewardship actions through the implementation of multi-species, threat, and place-based approaches to recovery and protection.

DFO will continue to direct Enhanced Nature Legacy funding to support designated Aboriginal Fisheries Guardians in their work for species at risk conservation and outreach and will continue to deliver on priority threats and priority places commitments through the implementation of the Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation.

Federal departments will also continue to invest in nature conservation and natural infrastructure where the majority of Canadians live through supporting the creation of national urban parks, ecological corridors and natural infrastructure. Parks Canada will communicate and promote the new National Urban Parks Policy to guide the designation and management of new national urban parks across Canada that will protect nature, connect people with nature and advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Parks Canada will continue to work in collaboration with municipalities, provinces, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to make progress towards the Treasury Board-approved target of designating four to six new national urban parks by December 2025. Work is well underway at five candidate national urban park sites (Windsor, Halifax, Saskatoon, Victoria, Edmonton) with all making steady progress towards negotiations. Two additional candidate sites (Winnipeg, St. John’s) are in early stages as preliminary work is beginning. Additionally, Parks Canada will promote the use of the newly released Criteria and map of National Priority Areas for Ecological Corridors in Canada as tools to support efforts to achieve a well-connected network of protected areas and natural habitats across the country. Parks Canada will continue providing support to ongoing ecological corridors projects, including 12 environmental non-profit organization-led, one provincially-led, and seven Indigenous-led.

Contact information

Nature Legacy Secretariat
Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard, Gatineau QC J8Y 3Z5
ec.secretariatdupatrimoinenaturel-naturelegacysecretariat.ec@canada.ca

Horizontal initiative framework: departmental funding by theme (dollars)

Horizontal initiative: Enhanced Nature Legacy for Canada

Shared outcomes: 1) Canada’s species at risk are recovered and 2) Canada’s ecosystems, landscapes and biodiversity are protected. 

Name of theme	Species at Risk	Protected and Conserved Areas	Indigenous led Conservation and Stewardship	Canadians and Nature	Internal Services
Theme outcome(s)	Protection and recovery action for species at risk is enhanced.	Canada’s terrestrial lands and inland waters are protected.	Indigenous Peoples are engaged in conservation.	Increased co-benefits to Canadians and nature	Not applicable
Environment and Climate Change Canada	$526,958,156	$586,416,488	$354,061,462	N/A	$44,011,716
Fisheries and Oceans Canada	$205,785,960	N/A	$51,361,569	N/A	$33,261,327
Parks Canada	$50,034,586	$267,399,905	$58,000,041	$139,612,113	$30,328,463
Natural Resources Canada	$2,761,992	N/A	N/A	N/A	$264,912
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada	N/A	N/A	N/A	$135,000,000	$7,800,000

Planning information (in dollars)

Horizontal initiative overview

Name of horizontal initiative	Total federal funding allocated since last renewal (dollars)	2025-26 planned spending (dollars)	Horizontal initiative shared outcome(s)	Performance indicator(s)	Target(s)	Date to achieve target
Enhanced Nature Legacy	$2,377,392,272	$561,865,990	Canada’s species at risk are recovered.	Percentage of species at risk for which changes in populations are consistent with recovery and management objectives	60%	May 2026
			Canada’s ecosystems, landscapes and biodiversity are protected.	Percentage of total terrestrial territory (land and inland water) that is conserved through networks of protected areas and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs)	25% of total land and inland water is conserved	December 2025
				Percentage of total coastal and marine areas that are conserved through networks of protected areas and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs)	25% of total coastal and marine areas are conserved	December 2025

Theme 1 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Species at risk	$785,540,694	$202,374,363	Protection and recovery for species at risk is enhanced.	Percentage of species at risk for which protection or recovery actions are being implemented through action for priority places, species and threats	100% Baseline: DFO: 154% (77/50; March 31, 2021)	March 2026

Theme 1 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Species at risk	$785,540,694	$202,374,363	Protection and recovery for species at risk is enhanced.	Percentage of species at risk for which protection or recovery actions are being implemented through action for priority places, species and threats	100% Baseline: DFO: 154% (77/50; March 31, 2021)	March 2026

Theme 1 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since last renewal[*] (dollars)	2025–26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
ECCC	Species at Risk	Renewing capacity for assessment, listing, and recovery planning	$71,072,800	$23,697,985	Core capacity to implement the Species at Risk Act is renewed	Percentage of legally listed species at risk with a recovery strategy or management plan available on the Species at Risk public registry where a recovery document is due.	90%	March 2026
		Protection and recovery of species and their critical habitat through science, action planning, stewardship actions, regulation, enforcement, and reporting	$108,531,925	$29,278,937	Protection and recovery action for species at risk is enhanced	Percentage of species whose critical habitat has been identified on federal land for which habitat , wholly or in part, is protected	55%	March 2026
		Enabling the stewardship actions of partners with contributions funding	$347,353,431	$93,900,594	SAR Habitat Stewarded by partners under the Canada Nature Fund	Total area of habitat that has been stewarded for conservation	90,000 Ha.	March 2026
Fisheries and Ocean Canada	Species at Risk	Enabling the stewardship actions of partners with contributions funding	$39,462,358	$13,746,969	Protection and recovery action for species at risk is enhanced through the CNFASAR	Percentage of CNFASAR projects for which recovery activities outlined in contribution agreements were successfully implemented.	100% Baseline – 80% (March 31, 2022)	2026
					Projects are inclusive of Indigenous groups	Number of Indigenous groups involved as project leads or partners that participate in DFO-supported stewardship activities that support the recovery and protection of aquatic species at risk	30 Baseline - 19 (March 31, 2022)	2026
					Protection and recovery action for species at risk is enhanced	Percentage of measures in action plans and management plans that are underway or completed to support the recovery and protection of SARA-listed aquatic species at risk	30% Baseline - 23% (March 31, 2023)	2026
		Renewing capacity for assessment, listing, recovery planning, monitoring and reporting	$44,693,963	$14,305,138	Negative impacts on Canada's oceans and other aquatic ecosystems are minimized or avoided	Percentage of aquatic species/populations at risk listed under the Species at Risk Act for which a recovery strategy/management plan is completed	80% Baseline - 90% (March 31, 2023)	2026
		Enabling the stewardship actions of partners with contributions funding through the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk	$39,257,049	$7,680,315	Protection and recovery action for species at risk is enhanced	Number of COSEWIC assessed aquatic species at risk and the number of SARA-listed aquatic species that benefit from CNFASAR funding	Greater than or equal to 30 Baseline - 13	March 31, 2026
	Fisheries Management	Enabling action to address the threat of abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG)	$10,000,000	$0	Fish harvester participation in retrieval of ALDFG is expanded.	Number of recipients with signed contribution agreements participating in gear retrieval efforts.	8	March 31, 2023 Funding ends in March 2023 – the date should not be extended to 2023-24
						Number of eligible Indigenous groups represented in agreements.	3	March 31, 2023 Funding ends in March 2023 – the date should not be extended to 2023-24
						Number of fish harvesters and fishing vessels adopting innovative technology under the Gear Acquisition and Modernization pillar of the Sustainable Fisheries Solutions and Retrieval Support Contribution Program.	20	March 31, 2023
						Number of opportunities provided to fish harvesters to dispose of end-of-life fishing gear in Atlantic Canada	4 opportunities	March 31, 2023 Funding ends in March 2023 – the date should not be extended to 2023-24
		Enabling action to encourage fish harvesters to adopt whale safe fishing gear	$21,395,604	$0	Fish harvester’s adoption of whale safe fishing gear is enhanced	Numbers of groups that have used this fund to help fish harvesters adopt whale safe fishing gear	50	March 31, 2023 Funding ends in March 2023 – the date should not be extended to 2023-24
	Aquatic Ecosystem Science	Advancing science to detect North Atlantic Right whales (NARW)	$8,883,223	$0	Monitoring and surveillance of NARW is increased	Number of flying hours surveying NARW in Canadian waters	Year 1 (2021-22): 825 hours Year 2 (2022-23): 825 hours	March 31, 2023 Funding ends in March 2023 – the date should not be extended to 2023-24
					Scientific information on the near real-time presence of NARW in Canadian waters is available to help inform management measures aimed at reducing the risk of entanglements and vessel strikes	Number of acoustic detection systems capable of detecting the presence of NARW in near real-time are operationalized	Total of 3 near real-time acoustic detections systems for NARW in place (includes existing system on fixed buoys)	March 31, 2023 Funding ends in March 2023 – the date should not be extended to 2023-24
		Advancing science to determine abundance of Arctic aquatic species at risk	$5,672,409	$0	Population abundance and distribution of key at-risk marine mammal species in the Arctic is better understood	Number of key at-risk Arctic marine mammal species for which the use of satellite imagery is tested to determine population abundance and to better understand their distribution in the Arctic	2	March 31, 2023 Funding ends in March 2023 – the date should not be extended to 2023-24
	Species at Risk, Conservation and Protection, Fisheries Economics and Statistics, and Fisheries Management programs	Protection and recovery of species and their critical habitat through assessment, listing, stewardship actions, enforcement, and reporting.	$36,421,354	$6,885,538	Protection and recovery action for species at risk is enhanced	Percent of measures in action plans and management plans that are underway or completed to support the recovery and protection of SARA-listed aquatic species at risk	30% Baseline – 23% (March 31, 2023)	March 31, 2026
PC	Heritage Places Conservation	Protection and recovery of species and their critical habitat through science, implementation of on-the ground recovery actions and, enforcement	$25,054,880	$7,684,960	Parks Canada makes demonstrable progress in implementing action plans	Annual percentage of measures from Multi-species Action Plans on track towards completion	33% annually Baseline: 95%	March 2026
	Heritage Places Conservation	Recovery planning and SARA reporting	$1,000,000	$1,000,000	Recovery documents inform management priorities for species at risk	Number of Multi-species Action Plans for Parks Canada places posted on the Species at risk public registry	Up to 26 Baseline: 23	March 2026
	Heritage Places Conservation	Priority Species (Southern Mountain Caribou)	$23,979,706	$3,273,263	Natural and cultural resources in heritage places are maintained or improved	Number of Southern Mountain Woodland Caribou in the wild Tonquin herd in Jasper National Park.	At least 200	2036
Natural Resources Canada	Cumulative Effects	Support the development of best natural resources management practices for woodland caribou through science	$2,761,992	$920,664	Protection and recovery action for species at risk is enhanced	Number of tools, products and approaches shared with key decision makers to enhance information, decisions and responses regarding management of disturbance in ecosystems	≥ 15 Baseline - 9	March 31, 2026

Theme 2 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Protected and Conserved Areas	$853,816,393	$203,335,872	Canada’s network of protected areas, OECMs and IPCAs is expanded and strengthened.	Number of protected areas, OECMs and IPCAs with demonstrable progress toward establishment or expansion	ECCC and PC: 16 IPCAs: 21 OECMs: 11	December 2025

Theme 2 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since last renewal] (dollars)	2025–26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
ECCC	Habitat Conservation and Protection Program	Protection of wildlife habitat as National Wildlife Areas, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, and conservation areas in through regulation, management, and evaluation	$175,350,236	$40,865,839	ECCC’s network of protected areas is expanded	Total area (km2) of habitat protected as ECCC National Wildlife Areas, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, and Conservation Areas	136,848 km2 terrestrial and 31,187 km2 marine (Total 168,035 km2)	December 2025
					Habitats and wildlife in ECCC protected areas network are managed, maintained or stabilized	Effective management of the ECCC Protected Areas network (average percentage performance of all sites), as assessed by the application of the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool	75%	December 2025
		Supporting the actions of partners to create and manage protected areas, recognize other effective conservation measures, and establish Indigenous protected and conserved areas with contribution funding.	$411,066,252	$106,083,038	Collaboration with partners for protected areas, OECMs, and IPCAs is enhanced	Total area (km2) of habitat secured by partners	160,000 km2	March 2026
PC	Heritage Places Conservation	Effective Management of Protected Areas	$85,412,337	$27,241,022	Canada’s natural heritage is protected for present and future generations.	Percentage of National Park ecosystems where ecological integrity is maintained or improved.	92%	December 2025
	Heritage Places Establishment	National Parks and Freshwater National Marine Conservation Areas	$181,987,568	$29,145,973	Heritage places are established	Number of National Parks and freshwater National Marine Conservation Areas with demonstrable progress toward establishment.	6	December 2025

Theme 3 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Indigenous Conservation	$463,423,072	$125,381,002	Increased Indigenous leadership and participation in conservation efforts	Percentage enhanced nature legacy contribution agreements that are Indigenous-led	40%	2025-26

Theme 3 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
ECCC	Habitat Conservation and Protection Program	Enabling the participation of Indigenous peoples in the establishment, management, and monitoring of protected areas, other effective conservation measures, and Indigenous conserved and protected areas and the recovery of species at risk with contribution funding	$354,061,462	$98,765,515	Indigenous people are engaged in conservation	Percentage of Indigenous people engaged with ECCC who indicate that the engagement was meaningful	66%	March 31, 2026 (Ongoing, annual target)
DFO	Aboriginal Programs and Treaties and the Species at Risk Program	Enabling the participation of Indigenous peoples in the protection and recovery of aquatic species at risk.	$51,361,569	$10,690,636	Projects are inclusive of Indigenous groups and Indigenous knowledge	Number of Indigenous groups involved as project leads or partners that participate in DFO-supported stewardship activities that support the recovery and protection of aquatic species at risk.	30 Baseline - 19	March 31, 2026
					Projects are inclusive of Indigenous groups and Indigenous knowledge	Number of Indigenous groups involved as project leads or partners that are funded as part of the Aboriginal Fishery Guardian for Aquatic Species at Risk Program.	25 Baseline - 11	March 31, 2026
PC	Heritage Places Conservation	Indigenous Guardians	$58,000,041	$15,924,851	Indigenous peoples actively participate in and contribute to the stewardship and conservation of heritage places	Number of Indigenous Guardians Programs operating in Parks Canada administered places.	35	March 31, 2026

Theme 4 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Canadians and Nature	$274,612,113	$30,774,753	Increased co-benefits to Canadians and nature	Percentage of Canadians agreeing that access to protected or conserved natural areas contributes to the overall quality of life of Canadians	90%	March 2026
				Percentage of Canadians that have accessed a protected or conserved natural area in the last year	50%	March 2026
				Number of direct jobs created	2,000	December 2025

Theme 4 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
PC	Heritage Places Conservation	Ecological Corridors	$50,361,750	$14,088,097	Heritage places are established	Number of Ecological Corridors are identified and supported	4-6	December 2025
	Heritage Places Establishment	Urban Parks	$89,250,363	$16,686,656	Heritage places are established	Number of National Urban Parks designated	5	December 2025
HICC	Allocation and direct-delivery funding oversight	Natural Infrastructure Fund	$135,000,000	$0	Achieve human well-being co-benefits through natural Infrastructure	Number of projects enhancing access to nature	50	2028-29Footnote 1
					Increased awareness of natural infrastructure	Percentage of applicants seeking to undertake their first known natural infrastructure project	20%	2028-29Footnote 1

Total spending, all themes

Theme	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated since last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 total federal planned spending (dollars)
Theme 1	$785,540,694	$202,374,363
Theme 2	$853,816,393	$203,335,872
Theme 3	$463,423,072	$125,381,002
Theme 4	$274,612,113	$30,774,753
Total, all themes	$2,377,392,272	$561,865,990

Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan

General information

Name of horizontal initiative

Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP)

Lead department

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) with support from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS).

Federal partner organization(s)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Defence Construction Canada

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Health Canada

Indigenous Services Canada

Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated

National Capital Commission

National Defence

National Research Council of Canada

Natural Resources Canada

Parks Canada

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Transport Canada

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

VIA Rail Canada

Start date of the horizontal initiative

FCSAP was approved in 2005. It followed after the two-year Federal Contaminated Sites Accelerated Action Plan program which began in 2003.

End date of the horizontal initiative

FCSAP has been extended to March 31, 2035, with funding currently approved until March 31, 2030.

Description of the horizontal initiative

FCSAP provides a long-term mechanism to address the highest priority federal contaminated sites. Although responsibility for the management and remediation of federal contaminated sites rests with responsible custodial departments, the FCSAP program is administered by ECCC with support from the TBS.

Governance structures

The Federal Contaminated Sites Assistant Deputy Ministers Oversight Board is supported by the Director Generals Advisory Committee and the ECCC’s FCSAP Secretariat, which provides overall program coordination.

Total federal funding allocated from start to end date (dollars)

$7,974,915,199 (including $5,439,242 additional funding for ISC and excluding $516,883 of Refocusing Government Spending) from April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2030 (Phase I, II, III, IV and V).

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars)

$5,921,628,691 from April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2024.

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars)

$5,612,822,274 from April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2024.

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative           

The FCSAP Horizontal Initiative was renewed in 2024 until March 31, 2035, with funding currently approved until March 31, 2030.

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal and source of funding (dollars)

$1,746,880,021 (Including Reprofiled amounts from Phase IV to Phase V).

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars)

Not applicable

Total planned spending since the last renewal

Not applicable

Total actual spending since the last renewal

Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation           

Evaluation lead by Environment and Climate Change Canada to be concluded in 2029–30.

Planning highlights

Shared outcome of federal partners: Risks to human health and the environment from federal contaminated sites are reduced.

Performance Indicator: Cumulative percentage of FCSAP-eligible sites (based on the FCSI, as of March 31st, 2020) closed or in long-term monitoring (Highest Step Completed (HSC>=9).

Target: 80% (Program Wide Target)

Date to achieve target: March 31, 2030

Shared outcome of federal partners: Environmental liability associated with federal contaminated sites is reduced.

Performance Indicator: Cumulative reduction of total environmental liability during the phase (in dollars) by implementing remediation at FCSAP funded sites that have existing risk reduction plans (HSC≥7).

Target: $373 million

Date to achieve target: March 31, 2030

Performance Indicator: Cumulative amount of environmental liability increases that have been offset through remediation and risk management activities since the beginning of FCSAP (2005).

Target: $5.5 billion

Date to achieve target: March 31, 2030

Theme 1 outcome: Effective program planning and implementation practices, supported by expert support, lead to significant progress for site assessment and remediation, including in Indigenous areas.

Performance Indicator: Percentage of sites planned to complete assessment in the phase that is achieved.

Target: 80%

Date to achieve target: March 31, 2030

Performance Indicator: Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8).

Target: 70%

Date to achieve target: March 31, 2030

Performance Indicator: Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8).

Target: 70%

Date to achieve target: March 31, 2030

Theme 2 outcome: Whole-of-government collaborative solutions lead to improved spending.

Performance Indicator: Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase.

Target: 80%

Date to achieve target: March 31, 2030

Contact information

FCSAP Secretariat
Contaminated Sites Division
Place Vincent Massey
351 St. Joseph Blvd
Gatineau, QC, K1A 0H3
pascf-fcsap@ec.gc.ca

Horizontal Initiative—Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan

Horizontal initiative framework: departmental funding by theme (dollars)

Horizontal initiative: Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP)

Shared outcomes: 1) Risks to human health and the environment from federal contaminated sites are reduced. 2) Environmental liability associated with federal contaminated sites is reduced.

Name of theme	Theme 1 Increased Effectiveness	Theme 2 Increased Efficiency	Internal Services*
Theme outcome(s)	Outcome: Effective program planning and implementation practices, supported by expert support, lead to significant progress for site assessment and remediation, including in Indigenous areas (dollars) Total $1,682,264,317	Outcome: Whole-of-government collaborative solutions lead to improved spending (dollars) Total $64,615,704	N/A (dollars)
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada	$25,329,898	$408,340	$609,908
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada	$292,379,949	$0	$0
Defence Construction Canada	N/A	$0	$0
Environment and Climate Change Canada	$152,240,560	$15,594,872	$2,980,324
Fisheries and Oceans Canada	$111,588,796	$7,732,370	$3,389,988
Health Canada	$14,519,925	N/A	$1,001,195
Indigenous Services Canada	$299,795,455	$11,280,555	$2,724,865
Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated	$93,975,201	$0	$0
National Capital Commission	$26,894,794	$488,790	$0
National Defence	$336,351,986	$10,285,115	$0
National Research Council of Canada	$1,936,762	$0	$0
Natural Resources Canada	$4,719,141	$0	$49,141
Parks Canada	$72,612,237	$2,423,035	$3,951,805
Public Services and Procurement Canada	$34,594,026	$3,917,105	$0
Transport Canada	$212,825,587	$9,367,998	$1,893,640
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat	N/A	$3,117,524	$257,059
VIA Rail Canada	$2,500,000	$0	$0

*The Internal Services figure is included in the total allocation amounts for each theme. Internal services include related EBP, SSC and PSPC charges.

Planning Information (in dollars)

Horizontal Initiative Overview

Name of horizontal initiative	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal*	2025-26 Planned spending	Horizontal initiative shared outcome(s)	Performance indicator(s)	Target(s)	Date to achieve target
Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan	1,746,880,021	413,736,913	Risks to human health and the environment from federal contaminated sites are reduced	Cumulative percentage of FCSAP-eligible sites (based on the FCSI, as of March 31st, 2020) closed or in long-term monitoring (Highest Step Completed (HSC>=9)	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
			Environmental liability associated with federal contaminated sites is reduced	Cumulative reduction of total environmental liability during the phase (in dollars) by implementing remediation at FCSAP funded sites that have existing risk reduction plans (HSC≥7)	373 million	March 2030
				Cumulative amount of environmental liability increases that have been offset through remediation and risk management activities since the beginning of FCSAP (2005)	5.5 billion	March 2030

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Theme 1 Details

Name of theme	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal* (dollars)	2025- 2026 Federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Theme 1: Increased Effectiveness	1,682,264,317	400,949,487	Effective program planning and implementation practices, supported by expert support, lead to significant progress for site assessment and remediation, including in Indigenous areas	Percentage of sites planned to complete assessment in the phase that is achieved	80%	March 2030
				Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70%	March 2030
				Percentage of sites in Indigenous areasFootnote 2 planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70%	March 2030

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Theme 1 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to the department’s Program Inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since last renewal* (dollars)	2025-26 Planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025-26 Horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025-26 Horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025-26 Horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada	Foundational Science and Research	A) Identify risks and priorities for remediation by completing Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)	2,218,571	633,877	Environmental Site Assessments allowing for the evaluation of risks are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete assessment in the phase that is achieved	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
		B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	23,111,327	2,506,817	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affaires	Northern Contaminated Sites Program	B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	292,379,949	77,810,435	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Environment and Climate Change Canada	Aquatic Ecosystems Health, Substances and Waste Management	A) Identify risks and priorities for remediation by completing Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)	1,025,685	320,000	Environmental Site Assessments allowing for the evaluation of risks are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete assessment in the phase that is achieved	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
		B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	135,342,555	26,026,299	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
		C) Provide training, capacity building, and support for custodians	15,872,320	3,174,464	Custodians are provided with quality, timely, and pertinent training, capacity building and support	Percentage of times the review of expert support documents is completed within established service standards	90%	March 31st of every year
Fisheries and Oceans Canada	Real Property and Environmental Management	A) Identify risks and priorities for remediation by completing Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)	3,058,380	1,925,855	Environmental Site Assessments allowing for the evaluation of risks are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete assessment in the phase that is achieved	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
		B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	100,000,000	20,623,526	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
	Fish and Fish Habitat Protection	C) Provide training, capacity building, and support for custodians	8,530,416	1,763,445	Custodians are provided with quality, timely, and pertinent training, capacity building and support	Percentage of times the review of expert support documents is completed within established service standards	90%	March 31st of every year
Health Canada	Health Impacts of Chemicals	C) Provide training, capacity building, and support for custodians	14,519,925	2,903,985	Custodians are provided with quality, timely, and pertinent training, capacity building and support	Percentage of times the review of expert support documents is completed within established service standards	90%	March 31st of every year
Indigenous Services Canada	Communities and the Environment	A) Identify risks and priorities for remediation by completing Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)	15,934,686	6,736,788	Environmental Site Assessments allowing for the evaluation of risks are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete assessment in the phase that is achieved	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
		B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	283,860,769	90,584,086	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
The Jacques-Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc.	The Jacques-Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc.	A) Identify risks and priorities for remediation by completing Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)	183,627	183,627	Environmental Site Assessments allowing for the evaluation of risks are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete assessment in the phase that is achieved	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
		B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	93,791,574	17,318,350	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)
National Capital Commission	National Capital Commission	A) Identify risks and priorities for remediation by completing Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)	2,190,000	549,000	Environmental Site Assessments allowing for the evaluation of risks are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete assessment in the phase that is achieved	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
		B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	24,704,794	13,070,473	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
National Defence	Environmental Sustainability and Protection	A) Identify risks and priorities for remediation by completing Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)	3,638,050	968,156	Environmental Site Assessments allowing for the evaluation of risks are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete assessment in the phase that is achieved	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
		B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	332,713,936	57,043,771	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
National Research Council of Canada	Internal Services	B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	1,936,762	657,954	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Natural Resources Canada	Internal Services	B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	4,719,141	1,515,784	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Parks Canada	Heritage Places Conservation	A) Identify risks and priorities for remediation by completing Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)	944,638	195,000	Environmental Site Assessments allowing for the evaluation of risks are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete assessment in the phase that is achieved	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
		B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	71,667,599	16,319,716	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Public Services and Procurement Canada	Property and Infrastructure – Federal Accommodation and Infrastructure Assets	B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	34,594,026	5,946,779	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Transport Canada	Environmental Stewardship of Transportation	A) Identify risks and priorities for remediation by completing Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)	1,745,000	660,000	Environmental Site Assessments allowing for the evaluation of risks are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete assessment in the phase that is achieved	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
		B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	211,080,587	51,011,300	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
VIA Rail Canada	VIA Rail Canada Inc.	B) Design and implement remedial action plans at highest priority eligible contaminated sites to reduce risk	2,500,000	500,000	Remediation action plans allowing for the implementation of remediation/risk measures are completed	Percentage of sites planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
						Percentage of sites in Indigenous areas planned to complete remediation/risk management in the phase that is achieved (HSC ≥ 8)	70% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Theme 2 details

Name of theme	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since last renewal* (dollars)	2025-26 Federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Theme 2 Name: Increased Efficiency	64,615,704	12,787,426	Whole-of-government collaborative solutions lead to improved spending	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the PhaseFootnote 3	80%	March 2030

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Theme 2 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to the department’s Program Inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since last renewal* (dollars)	2025-26 Planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025-26 Horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	;2025-26 Horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025-26 Horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada	Foundational Science and Research	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	408,340	81,668	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affaires	Northern Contaminated Sites	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	0	0	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Defence Construction Canada	Defence Construction Canada	E) Ensure better alignment between assessment and remediation demand and offer through interactions with the private sector	0	0	Procurement outcomes are improved through adherence to internal procurement services standards	Percentage of DCC contracts via project-specific tenders that are issued within the appropriate DCC service standards of receiving the finalized requirement and required funding	90%	March 31st of each year
Environment and Climate Change Canada	Aquatic Ecosystems Health, Substances and Waste Management	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	2,251,033	450,206	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
		F) Ensure enhanced oversight, administration and coordination of the program	13,343,839	2,598,908	Strong oversight, administration, and coordination of the program is provided by FCSAP Secretariat and governance committees	Percentage of action items with in-year completion dates made at the senior governance meetings that are completed by their deadline	90%	March 31st of each year
						Percentage of pre-identified information gaps that are addressedFootnote 4	80%	March 31st of each year
Fisheries and Oceans Canada	Real Property and Environmental Management	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	7,732,370	1,546,474	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Health Canada	Health Impacts of Chemicals	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	0	0	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Indigenous Services Canada	Communities and the Environment	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	11,280,555	2,255,651	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
The Jacques-Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc.	The Jacques-Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc.	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	0	0	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
National Capital Commission	National Capital Commission	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	488,790	97,758	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
National Defence	Environmental Sustainability and Protection	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	10,285,115	1,999,213	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
National Research Council Canada	Internal Services	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	0	0	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Natural Resources Canada	Internal Services	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	0	0	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Parks Canada	Heritage Places Conservation	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	2,423,035	484,607	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Public Services and Procurement Canada	Property and Infrastructure – Federal Accommodation and Infrastructure Assets	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	958,410	191,682	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
		E) Ensure better alignment between assessment and remediation demand and offer through interactions with the private sector	2,958,695	591,739	Procurement outcomes are improved by having regular interactions with the private sector and communicating the demand forecast for services	FCSAP federal demand forecasts based on regional workplans are shared with the private sector annually	90%	March 31st of each year
					Procurement outcomes are improved through adherence to internal procurement service standards	Percentage of PSPC contracts via project-specific tenders that are issued within the appropriate PSPC service standards of receiving the finalized requirement and required funding	90%	March 31st of each year
Transport Canada	Environmental Stewardship of Transportation	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	9,367,998	1,870,788	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat	Acquired Services and Assets Policies and Initiatives	F) Ensure enhanced oversight, administration and coordination of the program	3,117,524	618,732	Strong oversight, administration, and coordination of the program is provided by FCSAP Secretariat and governance committees	Percentage of action items with in-year completion dates made at the senior governance meetings that are completed by their deadline	90%	March 2030
VIA Rail Canada	VIA Rail Canada Inc.	D) Implement good procurement approaches and other best practices to increase spending efficiency	0	0	Spending efficiency is increased through good procurement approaches and other best practices	Cumulative percentage of assessment, remediation and expert support funding that is spent during the Phase	80% (Program Wide Target)	March 2030

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Total spending, all themes

Themes	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal* (dollars)	2025-26 Total federal planned spending (dollars)
Theme 1 – Increased Effectiveness	1,682,264,317	400,949,487
Theme 2 – Increased Efficiency	64,615,704	12,787,426
Total, all themes	1,746,880,021	413,736,913

*This amount includes any additional funding received after the last renewal.

Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy for Canada

General information

Name of horizontal initiative

Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy for Canada

Lead department

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Federal partner departments

Health Canada

National Research Council

Transport Canada

Department of Fisheries and Oceans

Statistics Canada

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

Start date of the horizontal initiative

April 1, 2022

End date of the horizontal initiative

March 31, 2027

Description of the horizontal initiative

The Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy for Canada horizontal initiative (2022-2027) seeks to make progress on Canada’s 2030 goal of zero plastic waste, and longer-term goal to reduce plastic pollution and move towards a circular plastics economy that keeps plastics in the economy and out of the environment. It is widely acknowledged that plastic pollution has a negative impact on the environment and could potentially harm human health. Furthermore, landfilling of recoverable plastics is a significant economic loss to the Canadian economy. To address these challenges, seven federal departments will undertake a range of activities in five priority areas: (1) expanding knowledge on plastics in the environment and the economy; (2) developing and implementing management measures; (3) supporting innovation and market transformation; (4) preventing and reducing plastic pollution; and (5) reducing waste from federal operations.

Summary roles of each partner:

• ECCC is responsible, as the lead department for the initiative, for oversight of the performance management, data analytics and results achieved. ECCC is contributing to scientific research and monitoring of plastics in the environment and its impacts; developing, implementing, and updating management measures deployed under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) and other applicable federal law; and supporting innovative solutions aimed at reducing plastic waste and pollution in key sectors and encouraging market transformation
• HC is responsible for scientific research on microplastics and their potential impacts on human health, as well as strengthening food chemical safety oversight of food packaging materials and identifying the risks for humans of microplastics and chemical additives found in plastics
• NRC is responsible for developing a Decision Support System that will leverage data on the fate and movement of plastics in different Canadian water-based environments
• StatCan is responsible for the development and annual publishing of statistical data on plastic flows through the economy, via the Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material
• CIRNAC is responsible for conducting research and monitoring of plastic pollution in Canada’s North via its Northern Contaminants Program
• DFO is responsible for managing the Ghost Gear Program, modernizing Canada’s domestic fisheries operations and regulatory regime, and improving solid waste and plastics management at DFO Small Craft Harbours, Real Property and Canadian Coast Guard sites
• TC is responsible for filling knowledge gaps on the contribution of specific marine transportation pathways to plastic marine litter, associated socioeconomic impacts, and best practices and opportunities for pollution reduction

Governance structures

Oversight for the implementation of this initiative is led by Environment and Climate Change Canada through three interdepartmental committees: the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM), Director General (DG) and Director-level Zero Plastic Waste and Circular Economy committees.

The ADM Committee meets quarterly, and

• provides overall strategic direction and linkages with other GOC priorities
• identifies cross-departmental and whole-of-government issues that impact progress and
• improves policy coherence for the federal zero plastic waste agenda

The DG committee meets quarterly and

• receives updates on the five priorities (science, regulations, industry sectors, ghost gear and federal operations) and
• addresses cross-departmental policy coherence and issues

The Director committee meets quarterly and

• provides updates, tracks progress and exchanges on activity-level work within the horizontal initiative

A secretariat, run by ECCC, provides support to the three committees. It updates progress trackers and dashboards with reporting by participating departments on the horizontal initiative’s activities, performance indicators, and targets.

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars)

Plastics 1 (2019-22): $68,180,154 ($59,101,686 in new funding; $9,078,468 of existing funding)

Plastics 2 (2022-27): $196,845,766 ($188,275,891 in new funding including Refocusing and transfers in/out; $8,569,875 of existing funding)

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars)

Plastics 1 (2019-22): $68,180,154 ($59,101,686 in new funding; $9,078,468 of existing funding)

Plastics 2 (2022-24): $ 79,735,287 (new funding)

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars)

$48,797,499 (Plastic 1) and $70,186,420 (Plastic 2 in new funding)

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative

April 1, 2022

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal, and source of funding (dollars)

$188,275,891 (new funding including Refocusing and transfers in/out)  

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars)

Not applicable

Total planned spending since last renewal

$79,735,287 (new funding)

Total actual spending since last renewal

$70,186,420 (new funding)  

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation

2026-27

Planning highlights

The Government of Canada will implement a range of activities in five priority areas through the Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy horizontal initiative.

Priority 1: Expand knowledge on plastics in the economy and the environment.

Aim: Develop a greater body of publicly accessible knowledge from which evidence-based policy decisions are made.

In 2025-26:

• Assess and report on the impact of policy measures (ECCC): Renew and enhance the ECCC plastic waste and pollution prevention website, and develop a first Progress Report on zero plastic waste in Canada
• Develop tools and methods to assess plastic pollution (ECCC): Continue to develop standardized methods, protocols and techniques for measurement of microplastics and nanoplastics in wildlife tissues and soil media. Develop a G&C program to support standardization of quantification methods for microplastics in wastewater and biosolids in collaboration with government and academic researchers
• Conduct research and monitoring to detect and characterize plastics in the environment (ECCC): Continue to assess and characterize plastic pollution in seabirds over time and space, as well as microplastics and nanoplastics loadings and targeted effects on aquatic biota. Standardize methods to investigate microplastics in air. Continue the planning for a second Canadian Science Symposium, and final associated expert roundtable. Complete a scientific review of recent literature on the potential effects of microplastics on the environment and human health
• Develop a Decision Support System (DSS) on microplastics and nanoplastics in Canada’s waterways (NRC): Continue to develop advanced fate and transport predictive tools, characterization methods and technologies. Continue development of zebrafish larvae models to determine the toxicity of plastics and associated pollutants on wildlife, and evaluate the results of the initial measurements
• Research potential impacts of microplastics on human health (HC): Support selected projects through contribution agreements provided by the Environmental Health Research Contribution Program. Conduct HC research projects and report on progress made including data generation, analysis and interpretation.
• Science Assessment of Plastic Pollution (HC, ECCC): Continue the literature review of the potential human health and environmental impacts of microplastic pollution
• Produce an annual Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material (PFAPM) (StatCan): Publish the annual reference year in the PFAPM
• Research and monitoring on plastic pollution in Canada’s North (CIRNAC): Continue to support research and monitoring projects of plastic pollution in Arctic and Northern environments and wildlife through the Northern Contaminants Program. Maintain oversight of an advisory group on plastics science specific to an Arctic and Northern context. Advance production of a plastic pollution-themed Canadian Arctic Contaminants Assessment Report (CACAR) to be published by 2027. Support Canada’s leadership internationally on plastic pollution under the Arctic Council’s Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme

Priority 2: Develop, implement, and update management measures.

Aim: Introduce regulatory and other management measures under CEPA that aim to protect human health and the environment, while promoting greater circularity for plastics.

In 2025-26:

• *Implement regulations to ban select single-use plastics (ECCC): Continue compliance promotion activities to ensure regulated parties understand and comply with the regulatory requirements
• Continue work towards a regulation that will establish:
  *Recycled content requirements for plastic products and packaging (ECCC)
• *Rules to prohibit misleading recyclability labelling (ECCC) focused on plastic packaging and single-use items and develop a pollution prevention planning notice to address plastic food contact packaging (ECCC)
• Performance requirements for compostable plastic products (ECCC)
• Implement a public Federal Plastics Registry (ECCC): Release the full production version of a new IT solution to enable plastic resin manufacturers, producers of plastic products, and service providers to report on the quantity and types of plastic they put on the Canadian market and how that plastic moves through the economy. Initiate compliance promotion activities in the lead up to the first phase of reporting in September of 2025. Continue to engage stakeholders and develop guidance to support future reporting requirements
• Support regulatory actions (ECCC): Continue to manage grant funding to support effective plastics risk management actions [regulation] in Canada
• Develop mandatory food chemical safety program for food packaging (HC): Continue to develop options and continue with ongoing stakeholder consultations for the introduction of a mandatory food chemical safety program for food packaging materials
• Identify and prioritize existing chemical additives in plastics (HC, ECCC): Identify possible chemical additives in plastic, develop action plan, and begin consultations with stakeholders (e.g., other governments, academics and industry) on the list

*These actions may change to reflect an expected Federal Court of Appeal decision.

Priority 3: Support innovation and market transformation.

Aim: Work in partnership with industry sectors and other external stakeholders to support their efforts to reduce plastic waste.

In 2025-26:

• Reduce plastic waste in key sectors (ECCC): Continue to develop and manage contribution agreements to advance knowledge and support innovative solutions to achieving plastic waste and pollution reductions in key sectors (e.g., textiles, plastic beverage containers, quick service restaurants, grocery food packaging, healthcare and reuse)
• Continue evaluating the use of risk management instrument(s) for plastic beverage containers (ECCC): ECCC will continue to monitor the sector while supporting innovative solutions to increase collection rates, such as promoting reuse and refill for beverages
• Develop a draft roadmap for addressing plastic waste and pollution from the textile and apparel sector (ECCC): This follows the consultations process held in Summer 2024 that explored potential actions that could eliminate waste and pollution from, and advance circularity in, the textile and apparel. The draft roadmap is expected to be followed by a final roadmap in late 2025
• Develop a roadmap on reuse and repair of products containing plastic (ECCC): Begin consulting with key sectors to determine how best to incorporate reuse/repair approaches into their respective operations

Priority 4: Prevent and reduce plastic pollution.

Aim: Continue to address plastic pollution from fishing activities by preventing plastics from entering marine water systems and through some remediation/removal of historical fishing gear.

In 2025-26:

• Modernize Canada’s domestic fisheries (DFO):
  • Initiate research contracts to collect data and information to address knowledge gaps on ghost gear in Canada and identify and assess sustainable gear innovations to reduce gear loss and impacts
  • Continue to make improvements to functions in the new Fishing Gear Reporting System (FGRS), offer training to increase use by harvesters, and assess data gathered to gain a fulsome understanding of hotspots for ghost gear
  • Continue regulatory review and amendments to address impediments to ghost gear retrieval and strengthen prevention measures
  • Review current Canadian commercial fishing licenses and identify where fishery management best practices can be implemented to reduce gear loss on an area-by-area basis
  • Undertake innovative approaches, including supporting technologies that reduce the frequency of gear loss, and better address the issue of ghost gear in Canadian waters
• Fill knowledge gaps (TC): Procure foundational studies to enhance understanding of marine plastic litter from ships and work on the development of policy measures to address plastic litter from ships by 2027

Priority 5: Reduce plastic waste in federal operations.

Aim: Continue work to align federal government operations with the goal of diverting at least 75% of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills, and diverting 75% of plastic waste from landfills by 2030, with a focus on ensuring that waste from coastal sites does not flow into aquatic environments.

In 2025-26:

Improve solid waste and plastics management (DFO): Use the completed gap analyses for the targeted Small Craft Harbour, Real Property, and Canadian Coast Guard sites to identify action areas and their feasibility to improve solid waste management efforts at the targeted sites

Contact information

Sarah Fiset
Building Place Vincent Massey
351, boul. Saint-Joseph, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H3
sarah.fiset@ec.gc.ca

Horizontal initiative framework: departmental funding by theme (dollars)

Horizontal initiative: Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy for Canada

Shared outcomes: Plastic waste is kept out of the environment / Plastic waste is kept out of landfills and incinerators.

Name of theme	Expand knowledge in plastics in the economy and environment	Develop, implement and update management measures	Support innovation and market transformation	Prevent and reduce plastic pollution	Reduce plastic waste in federal operations	Internal services
Theme outcome(s)	Government policy-makers make evidence-based decisions on plastics. Knowledge on plastics and the zero plastic waste agenda is accessed by users	Problematic, hard-to-recycle single-use plastics are no longer in circulation in Canada. Resins commonly used in packaging are safely recycled. Plastic waste (in tonnes) going to landfilled from recycling facilities is reduced	Targeted industry sectors to reduce their plastic waste	Marine pollution from ghost gear is reduced	Plastic waste is reduced in DFO/CCG operations	Not applicable
Environment and Climate Change Canada	$30,751,117	$58,761,745	$12,930,356	N/A	N/A	$10,562,246
Fisheries and Oceans Canada	N/A	N/A	N/A	$34,997,602	$6,102,998	$4,792,909
National Research Council	$12,669,699	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	$253,715
Health Canada	$8,902,366	$5,327,998	N/A	N/A	N/A	$1,024,542
Statistics Canada	$7,099,965	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	$273,284
Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada	$5,237,378	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	$108,220
Transport Canada	N/A	N/A	N/A	$5,494,667	N/A	$655,447

Planning information (in dollars)

Horizontal initiative overview

Name of horizontal initiative	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal	2025-26 planned spending	Horizontal initiative shared outcome(s)	Performance indicator(s)	Target(s)	Date to achieve target
Advancing a Circular Plastics Economy for Canada	$188,275,891	$37,183,851	Plastic waste is kept out of the environment	Amount (in tonnes) of plastics entering into Canada’s natural environment, from both terrestrial and aquatic based sources	Reduction from baseline for plastic pollution in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Baseline modelled and identified in 2024. Amount to be finalized in 2025.	2030
			Plastic waste is kept out of landfill	Amount (annual, in tonnes) of disposed plastic waste and scrap sent to landfill or incinerated without energy recovery	Declining trend from 2018 baseline (3,916,040 tonnes) of disposed plastic waste and scrap sent to landfill or incinerated without energy recovery	2030
			Plastic waste is kept out of energy recovery	Amount (annual, in tonnes) of disposed plastic waste and scrap sent for incineration or gasification with energy recovery	Declining trend from 2018 baseline (129,234 tonnes) of disposed plastic waste and scrap sent for incineration or gasification with energy recovery	2030

Theme 1 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal (dollars)	2025-26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Expand knowledge on plastics in the economy and the environment	$64,660,525	$13,146,026	Government policy-makers make evidence-based decisions on plastics	Degree to which socio-economic and environmental research on plastics enable policy-makers to continue to make evidence-based decisions	A “good” rating, based on a scale of very poor, poor, acceptable, good, very good	March 2027
			Knowledge on plastics and the zero plastic waste agenda is accessed by users	Number of website visits and citations of representative federal scientific and policy reports combined	At least 1,000 website visits	March 2027
					At least 100 citations	March 2027

Theme 1 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to the department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since last renewal (dollars)	2025-26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
Environment Climate Change Canada	Substances & Waste Management	Assess and report on the impact of policy measures in reducing plastic waste and pollution (new)	$11,596,849	$2,349,016	The impacts of policy interventions, measures and trends on the plastics economy and plastic pollution are available to policy makers and Canadians	Number of visits to the federal plastic waste and pollution reduction website pages combined	10,000 website visits	March 2027
		Develop tools and methods to detect and characterize plastics in the environment (renewed)	$6,938,263	$1,082,818	Federally developed or enhanced tools or methods are considered by the science community to support consistent data and informed decision-making	Number of peer reviewed papers citing federally-led contributions to detect and characterize plastics in environmental compartments (e.g., air, water, biota) combined	At least 5 papers	March 2027
		Conduct research and monitoring to detect and characterize plastics in the environment and assess exposure and potential effects of plastic pollution (renewed)	$10,411,374	$2,329,129	Federal regulatory, non-regulatory, and voluntary measures to reduce plastic pollution are informed by ECCC-supported research and monitoring	Percentage of federal policies and measures informed by ECCC-supported research and monitoring results	95%	March 2027
National Research Council	Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program – Ocean Program	Generate knowledge and deploy a Decision Support System (DSS) on micro- and nanoplastics in Canada’s water ways (new)	$12,669,699	$2,559,805	Knowledge is generated and disseminated on micro and nanoplastics pollution in Canadian aquatic systems and remediation solutions	Number of peer-reviewed articles published	20 peer-reviewed articles published	March 2027
						Citation score (field-weighted citation impact measured relative to world average – three-year average)	1.2
						Number of project partners participating in data sharing (including academia, Science-based departments and agencies, Canadian SMEs, and Indigenous organizations)	Data sharing agreements with 10 project partners
					A Decision Support System is deployed and used to support policy and regulatory development	Percentage of users reporting that the DSS is an effective tool in supporting policy and management decisions to reduce the potential risks of plastics to the environment, wildlife and human health	90% of users	March 2027
Health Canada	Health Impacts of Chemicals	Conduct and fund research on potential impacts of microplastics on human health (new)	$5,753,510	$1,251,098	Research results are available to inform decision-making on the potential human health impacts of microplastics	Percentage of implicated federal decision-makers who indicate that they have more information available for consideration in evidence-based decision making related to impacts to human health or the environment from plastic pollution including microplastics (intramural research)	70%	March 2027
						Percentage of implicated federal decision-makers who indicate that they have more information available for consideration in evidence-based decision making related to impacts to human health or the environment from plastic pollution including microplastics (contribution program research)	70%	March 2028
		Science Assessment of Plastic Pollution: Review recent information on the effects of microplastics (with ECCC, new for HC)	$3,148,856 ECCC: $1,804,631	$614,965 ECCC: $312,325	The latest available science on microplastics is summarized in a report to support government policy makers in making evidence-based decisions to protect human health or the environment	Percentage of federal decision-makers who indicate that the report would support federal decision-making on microplastics	70%	March 2027
Statistics Canada	Economic and Environmental Statistics	Produce annual Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material (PFAPM) and update PFAPM methodology and metadata documents (renewed)	$7,099,965	$1,439,968	Canada’s plastics economy statistical information is available and relevant to Canadians	Total number of website visits to StatCan PFAPM related pages and data tables	10,000 website visits	March 2027
						Total number of times the Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material (PFAPM) is referenced or cited in various types of publications	50 references or citations to the PFAPM	March 2027
Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada	Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability	Conduct research and monitoring of impacts of plastic pollution in Canada’s North (renewed)	$5,237,378	$1,206,902	Information on the geographic and ecological distribution of plastic pollution in the North (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut) is available	Percentage of datasets established as baselines for the long-term monitoring of the geographic and ecological distribution of plastic pollution in the terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems in the North that are maintained	80%	March 2027
						Percentage of data/information collected that contributes to broader, relevant observation systems and assessments	80%	March 2027

Theme 2 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal (dollars)	2025-26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)		Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)		Date to achieve theme target
Develop, implement, and update management measures	$64,089,743	$13,795,413	Problematic, hard-to-recycle single-use plastics are no longer in circulation in Canada	Percentage of obligated parties in compliance with requirements			100% industry compliance with SUPPR once prohibitions come into force	2030
			Resins commonly used in packaging are safely recycled	Percentage of recycled PET			Increase from 2018 baseline recycling rate of PET (19.6%)	2030
				Percentage of recycled LDPE			Increase from 2018 baseline recycling rate of LDPE (6.7%)	2030
				Percentage of recycled LLDPE			Increase from 2018 baseline recycling rate of LLDPE (4.3%)	2030
				Percentage of recycled HDPE			Increase from 2018 baseline recycling rate of HDPE (14.0%)	2030
				Percentage of recycled PP			Increase from 2018 baseline recycling rate of PP (3.6%)	2030
			Plastic waste by weight (tonnes) going to landfill and incineration from sorting and recycling facilities is reduced	Tonnes of residual plastic waste and scrap sent for disposal by primary processors			Reduction from 2018 baseline (902,081 tonnes)	2030
				Tonnes of residual plastic waste and scrap sent for disposal by final processors			Reduction from 2018 baseline (77,173 tonnes)	2030

Theme 2 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to the department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal (dollars)	2025-26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
Environment and Climate Change Canada	Substances & Waste Management	** Implement regulations to ban select single-use plastics (SUP) (renewed)	$12,556,372	$2,754,666	Obligated parties comply with the Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR)	Percentage of obligated parties in compliance with requirements	100% industry compliance with SUPPR once prohibitions come into force	March 2026
		Apply measures for additional priority single-use plastics (new)	$7,377,844	$1,654,555	New measures (regulatory and/or non-regulatory) come into force for additional single-use plastics	Number of single-use plastics addressed in new regulatory and/or non-regulatory measures	The 31 priority single-use and disposable plastic (SUDP) items identified in the CCME SUDP Roadmap	March 2027
		**Develop and implement recycled content regulatory requirements for plastic products and packaging (renewed)	$9,790,507	$2,057,146	Obligated parties comply with recycled content requirements	Percentage of obligated parties in compliance with recycled content requirements	100% compliance with recycled content requirements	December 2030
		**Develop rules to prohibit misleading recyclability labelling (new)	$6,289,678	$1,361,875	Obligated parties comply with requirements concerning the labelling of plastic products as recyclable	Percentage of obligated parties in compliance with requirements on recyclability labeling	100% compliance with labelling rules	March 2027
					Obligated parties develop plans to address the factors set out in the pollution planning prevention notice for plastic food contact packaging	Percentage of obligated parties who developed plans	100% of obligated parties develop a plan	March 2027
		**Develop performance requirements for compostable plastic products (new)	$5,134,240	$1,057,012	Producers comply with performance requirements for compostable plastic products (including labelling)	Percentage of producers in compliance with performance requirements for compostable plastic products	100% compliance with performance requirements	March 2027
		Establish a public federal plastics registry (new)	$15,626,039	$3,406,896	Producers register and comply with reporting requirement, with the first roll-up report released to the public in 2025	Percentage of organizations in compliance with requirement to report	100% annual reporting by organizations obligated to report	March 2027
		Implement contributions in support of regulatory actions (new)	$1,987,065	$510,543	Federal government, stakeholders and the public have access to knowledge that supports management actions	Percentage of contribution project results that are publicly accessible	100% of project results are available	March 2027
						Usefulness of generated knowledge in measure development and implementation	Rating of “very useful” in survey of federal policy makers	March 2027
Health Canada	Food and Nutrition Health Impacts of Chemicals	Strengthen food chemical safety oversight of food packaging materials (new)	$3,583,109	$640,344	Information is analysed, and targeted consultations held and are used to inform a final recommendation for the introduction of a mandatory food chemical safety program for food packaging materials	Number of program design elements produced by Health Canada to inform the final program recommendation	6 (policy intent, required regulatory amendments, international equivalency, pre-market data requirements, administrative mechanisms)	March 2027
					Guidelines on acceptability and use of recycled plastics in food packaging applications are updated and made publicly available: manufacturers of recycled plastic materials have the best available guidance to determine the acceptability of such material for food contact use and in preparing submissions to HC for evaluation of these products.	Percentage of applicants requesting a letter of no objection on recycled plastic use in food packaging applications who have used the guidance in preparing their submission	90% of applicants	2026
						Percentage of applicants who indicate they found the guidance to be useful	90% of applicants	2026
						Percentage increase in visits to website following publication(s) of updated guidance	N/A – target achieved	March/April 2023
		Identify chemical additives in plastics and establish a plan of action for prioritized activities (with ECCC) (new)	$1,744,889	$352,376	Appropriate action is taken for identified priority chemical additives	Percentage of identified priorities for which a plan of action has been Director General approved	N/A – target achieved	March 2025

** These actions may change to reflect an expected Federal Court of Appeal decision.

Theme 3 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal (dollars)	2025-26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)		Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Support innovation and market transformation	$12,930,356	$2,910,850	Targeted industry sectors (5 high priority) reduce their plastic waste	Amount of plastic waste (in tonnes) sent to landfill or incinerated or recovered for energy by each supported industry sector		Declining trend of plastic waste for each supported industry sector from 2020 baseline (77,000 – 118,838 tonnes from bottles; 90,000 – 241,000 tonnes from quick service restaurants; 439,000 tonnes from electrical and electronic equipment [EEE];164,611 tonnes from construction; and 43,891 – 61,751 tonnes from agriculture)	March 2030

Theme 3 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to the department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal (dollars)	2025-26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
Environment Climate Change Canada	Substances & Waste Management	Implement measures or provide support to reduce plastic waste in targeted sectors, beginning with textiles (renewed)	$9,296,259	$2,156,225	Textile waste is diverted from landfill, incineration, energy recovery, and the environment	Volume of textile waste (tonnes) going to landfill or incinerated or recovered for energy has decreased from the 2020 baseline	Declining trend for textile waste (275,695 tonnes in 2020)	2030
		Implement a risk management instrument for plastic beverage containers (renewed)	$2,326,558	$473,875	Plastic beverage containers are diverted from landfill, incineration, energy recovery, and the environment	Percentage of plastic beverage containers sold in Canada that are collected for recycling	90% of plastic beverage containers sold in Canada are collected for recycling	2030
		Develop a roadmap to encourage reuse and repair of products containing plastic for the electronics sectors (renewed)	$1,307,539	$280,750	Industry and the general public are aware of the significant environmental and socioeconomic benefits derived from increasing the reuse and repair of products containing plastic	Percentage increase in awareness of the roadmap by industry and the public	70% of the relevant industry stakeholders are aware of the roadmap	March 2027

Theme 4 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal (dollars)	2025-26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)		Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Prevent and reduce plastic pollution	$40,492,269	$6,110,962	Marine pollution from ghost gear is prevented and reduced	Percentage change in reported net gear loss (in units of gear)		10% reduction from 2025 baseline year (to be calculated by March 2025)	March 2030

Theme 4 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to the department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal (dollars)	2025-26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
Fisheries and Oceans	Fisheries Management	Manage the Ghost Gear Contribution Program (renewed for 2022-23 only)	$10,000,000	$0	Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear is removed from Canadian waters	Amount (in tonnes) of ghost gear removed from Canadian waters	No target determined as not funded past 2022-23 through this initiative	March 2023
					Locations are provided to securely store retrieved marked gear while owners are identified for gear return	Number of locations available to collect and store retrieved gear from funded projects	No target determined as not funded past 2022-23 through this initiative	March 2023
					Technologies to identify, retrieve or reduce the frequency and/or impact of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear are acquired or piloted	Number of proponents acquiring or piloting retrieval and fishing gear technologies in Canada	No target determined as not funded past 2022-23 through this initiative	March 2023
		Modernize Canada’s domestic fisheries operations and regulatory regime (renewed)	$24,997,602	$4,999,400	Collection and quality of lost and retrieved fishing gear data are improved	Percentage of loss events reported by commercial harvesters through the Fishing Gear Retrieval System (FGRS) (rather than PDF reports)	5% increase per fiscal year, 40% by March 2027	March 2027
					Canada’s commercial fisheries are managed such that the risk of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) is reduced	Percentage of wild capture commercial fisheries whose licences are revised for ALDFG (“ghost gear”) best practices based on gear type.	20% of wild capture commercial fisheries with revised licences	March 2026
					Canada pilots new approaches in commercial fisheries to reduce or mitigate impacts of ghost gear	Number of commercial fisheries in which in-season ghost gear retrieval and alternatives to plastic gear tags are piloted	3 commercial fisheries for each	March 2025
Transport Canada	Protecting Oceans and Waterways	Fill knowledge gaps on the contribution of specific marine transportation pathways to plastic marine litter, its associated socioeconomic impacts, and best practices and opportunities for pollution reduction (new)	$5,494,667	$1,111,562	Evidence-based policy framework aimed at reducing the marine transportation sector’s contribution to marine plastic litter and mitigating its impacts on the environment and communities is socialized with key marine transportation industry stakeholders	Percentage of marine transportation industry stakeholders that are informed of the policy framework	90% of marine transportation stakeholders are informed of the policy framework	Fall 2027

Theme 5 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal (dollars)	2025-26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)		Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Reduce plastic waste in federal operations	$6,102,998	$1,220,600	Plastic waste is reduced in DFO and CCG operations	Rate of plastic waste diverted from targeted DFO/CCG operations		At least 75% (by weight) of targeted sites’ plastic waste is diverted from landfill starting in 2027	2030

Theme 5 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to the department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal (dollars)	2025-26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025-26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
Fisheries and Oceans	Real Property (Internal Services)	Improve solid waste and plastics management at DFO Small Craft Harbours, Real Property and Canadian Coast Guard sites (new)	$6,102,998	$1,220,600	Plastic waste is reduced in DFO and CCG operations	Rate of plastic waste diverted from targeted DFO/CCG operations	At least 75% (by weight) of targeted sites’ plastic waste is diverted from landfill starting in 2027	2030

Total spending, all themes

Theme	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal (dollars)	2025-26 total federal planned spending (dollars)
Theme 1	$64,660,525	$13,146,026
Theme 2	$64,089,743	$13,795,413
Theme 3	$12,930,356	$2,910,850
Theme 4	$40,492,269	$6,110,962
Theme 5	$6,102,998	$1,220,600
Total, all themes	$188,275,891	$37,183,851

Climate Change Adaptation

General information

Name of horizontal initiative

Climate Change Adaptation

Lead department

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Federal partner departments

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)

Health Canada (HC)

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC)

National Research Council (NRC)

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Public Safety Canada (PS)

Standards Council of Canada (SCC)

Start date of the horizontal initiative

June 8, 2023

End date of the horizontal initiative

March 31, 2033

Description of the horizontal initiative

The Climate Change Adaptation Horizontal Initiative is comprised of programs that help advance the federal government’s implementation of the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS). Specifically, these programs contribute to a shared outcome that “Canada enhances resilience in the face of a changing climate”.

Five interrelated systems for priority action are presented in the NAS, with a federal lead assigned to each:

1. Disaster Resilience (Public Safety Canada)
2. Health and Wellbeing (Health Canada)
3. Infrastructure (Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada)
4. Nature and Biodiversity (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
5. Economy and Workers (Natural Resources Canada)

The Climate Change Adaptation Horizontal Initiative is designed to align with the Strategy’ five systems for priority action, including themes and activities for four of the five systems^{Footnote 5}. It also includes foundational initiatives that cross-cut the systems and help support implementation of the Strategy.

Governance structures

As part of the establishment of the Climate Change Adaptation Horizontal Initiative, a new horizontal governance structure was put in place to enhance overall integration and coherence of federal adaptation policy and programing. The governance structure formalized inter-departmental leadership roles and responsibilities.

As the overall lead for climate change adaptation, ECCC is responsible for coordinating adaptation efforts across the federal government, including leading the horizontal governance structure. The structure is composed of an Assistant Deputy Minister Oversight Committee, a Director General Steering Committee and a Director Committee. Membership includes system lead departments (ECCC, PS, HC, HICC, NRCan), CIRNAC and ISC, and central agencies (Privy Council Office, Finance Canada and Treasury Board Secretariat) as ex-officio members. The governance structure also includes sub-level working groups that examine specific issues requiring horizontal coordination.

All members are responsible for monitoring program results and providing timely and accurate reporting on progress. System leads oversee their corresponding theme under the Initiative and are responsible for supporting efforts to advance theme-level outcomes.

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars)

2,018,253,405

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars)

Not applicable*

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars)

Not applicable*

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative

Not applicable.

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal, and source of funding (dollars)

Not applicable.

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars)

Not applicable.

Total planned spending since last renewal

Not applicable.

Total actual spending since last renewal

Not applicable.

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation

Not applicable.

* As the supplementary information table was not published to accompany the 2023-24 Departmental Results Report, this information is currently unavailable. Both planned spending to date and actual spending to date will be included in the supplementary information tables published along with the 2024-25 Departmental Results Report.

Planning highlights

In 2025-26, the federal government will continue to implement the National Adaptation Strategy through federal actions as outlined in the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan, as well as work with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners.

ECCC leads the theme for Foundational/Cross-cutting. The outcome for this theme is framed around cross-cutting Government of Canada action areas outlined in the GOCAAP. Two departments (ECCC and CIRNAC) lead seven activities under the Foundational/Cross-cutting theme: National Adaptation Strategy Implementation; Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation through the Green Municipal Fund; Priority Climate Data, Services and Assessments; Climate Change Preparedness in the North; First Nations Adapt; Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program; Indigenous Climate Leadership.

PS leads the theme on Disaster Resilience. The outcome for this theme is framed around hazards, risks and consequences with similar language to the vision of the NAS. One department (NRCan) will lead two activities under the Disaster Resilience theme: Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program, and Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative.

HC leads the theme on Health and Wellbeing. The outcome for this theme is framed around achieving the goal, and objectives of the Health and Wellbeing System articulated in the NAS. Two departments (ISC and HC) lead four activities under this theme. The four activities are: Building Climate-Resilient and Low-Carbon Health Systems; Protecting the Health of Canadians from Extreme Heat; Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program – North; and Climate Resilient Health Systems.

HICC leads the theme on Infrastructure. The outcome for this theme directly corresponds to the infrastructure-related target included in the NAS. One department (HICC) will lead three activities under this theme: the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund; Climate Resilient Codes and Standards; and Climate Toolkits.

NRCan leads the theme on Economy and Workers. The outcome for this theme aligns closely with the Economy and Workers Government of Canada action areas outlined in the GOCAAP. One department (NRCan) will lead one activity under this theme: Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program.

Contact information

Danielle Lafontaine
Strategic Policy and International Affairs Branh
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 Boulevard Saint-Joseph, Gatineau, Québec, K1A 0H3
Tel: 613-298-7435
Email: Danielle.Lafontaine@ec.gc.ca

Horizontal initiative framework: departmental funding by theme (dollars)

Climate Change Adaptation Horizontal Initiative

Shared outcomes: Canada enhances resilience in the face of a changing climate.

Name of theme	T1. Foundational/Cross-Cutting	T2. Disaster Resilience	T3. Health and Wellbeing	T4. Infrastructure	T5. Economy and Workers	Internal services
Theme outcome(s)	Policies and programs in place to build knowledge and understanding, develop tools and resources and establish governance and demonstrate leadership related to adapting to Canada’s changing climate.	Communities and all people living in Canada are better prepared to prevent, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the hazards, risks and consequences of disasters linked to the changing climate; the well-being and livelihoods of people living in Canada are better protected; and overall disaster risks have been reduced, particularly for vulnerable sectors, regions, and populations at greater risk.	Peoples living in Canada and health system actors are resilient to the health effects of climate change.	Robust guidance, codes and standards covering the top climate change risks for key public infrastructure systems are available to be adopted by all infrastructure decision-makers and inform infrastructure investments to increase the resilience of communities.	Communities and businesses are adapting to climate change.	Not applicable
CIRNAC	185,647,582	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	5,760,222
ECCC	625,094,841	19,330,487	N/A	N/A	N/A	15,785,230
HC	N/A	N/A	42,856,738	N/A	N/A	1,686,515
ISC	N/A	N/A	38,771,000	N/A	N/A	413,337
HICC	N/A	N/A	N/A	595,870,145	N/A	24,573,806
NRC	N/A	N/A	N/A	30,095,600	N/A	0
SCC	N/A	N/A	N/A	17,380,000	N/A	0
NRCan	N/A	411,862,534	N/A	N/A	41,377,205	17,639,289
PS	N/A	9,967,273	N/A	N/A	N/A	941,556

Planning information (in dollars)

Horizontal initiative overview

Name of horizontal initiative	Total federal funding allocated since last renewal	2025-26 planned spending	Horizontal initiative shared outcome(s)	Performance indicator(s)	Target(s)	Date to achieve target
Climate Change Adaptation	$2,018,253,405	$260,667,027	Canada enhances resilience in the face of a changing climate	Percentage of Canadian households that factor climate change into their decision making	Increase from baseline Baseline: 38% (2023-24)	Annual
				Percentage of public and municipal organizations that factor climate change adaptation into their infrastructure decision-making	75% Baseline: 58% (2020)	2028 (Reported every 2 years)
				Percentage of communities and businesses reporting they include adaptation to climate change in plans and strategies	Communities 55% Natural resource sector businesses 45%	2027

Theme 1 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Foundational/Cross-Cutting	$810,742,423	$50,690,856	Policies and programs in place to build knowledge and understanding, develop tools and resources and establish governance and demonstrate leadership related to adapting to Canada’s changing climate.	Percentage of clients who indicate they are better equipped to consider climate change in their decisions following a Canadian Centre for Climate Services service.	80% Baseline: 78% (2022-23)	2028 (Result will be reported once in 2028)
				Percentage of Canadian households that indicate their federal government took sufficient action in handling climate-related events.	Increase from baseline Baseline: 18% (2022-23)	Annual

Theme 1 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to the department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
CIRNAC Note: Existing funding is used for the achievement of the targets	Climate Change Adaptation and Clean Energy	Climate Change Preparedness in the North	$58,025,585	$11,785,413	Indigenous people are prepared to take climate action	Number of funded projects implementing adaptive measures	202	2028
		First Nations Adapt	$42,347,897	$6,386,937	Indigenous and northern communities are equipped with capacity, information, tools, and expertise to support climate action	Number of risk and adaptation assessments that are completed each year	362	2028
					Indigenous people are prepared to take climate action	Number of funded projects implementing small scale adaptive measures	20	2028
		Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program	$45,139,193	$9,590,789	Indigenous and northern communities are equipped with capacity, information, tools and expertise to support climate action	Number of communities that participated in community-based climate monitoring	224	2028
		Indigenous Climate Leadership	$40,134,907	$2,856,844	Indigenous people are prepared to take climate action	Number of funding agreements signed by Métis partners to address Métis adaptation priorities	5	2026
ECCC	Climate Change Adaptation Core	Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF)	$530,000,000	$0	Climate resilience is integrated into municipal plans, processes and management systems	Cumulative number of supported municipalities that have implemented projects to enhance and embed climate resilience in their plans, processes and management systems	900 Baseline: 0 (2023)	2032Footnote 6
						Percentage of supported municipalities that use equity and inclusion considerations in their plans, processes and management systems	75% Baseline: 0% (2023)	2032Footnote 7
					Equitable climate adaptation actions are implemented by Canadian municipalities	Cumulative number of supported municipalities moving from plan/study to implementation of proposed solution for projects that manage or reduce climate risk	500 Baseline: 0 (2023)	2032Footnote 8
						Percentage of projects specifying adaptation benefits for equity-seeking or marginalized groups	50% Baseline: 0% (2023)	2032Footnote 9
					New financing models are utilized/leveraged by Canadian municipalities to finance climate adaptation capital projects	Number of supported capital projects that incorporate climate adaptation with private sector funding	10 Baseline: 0 (2023)	2032 (Reported annually)
						Number of unique funding models for adaptation implemented through the program	3 Baseline: 0 (2023)	2032 (Reported annually)
		National Adaptation Strategy ImplementationFootnote 10	$24,949,724	$5,019,921	People in Canada believe that enough is being done to minimize climate risks (preparation for climate change)	Percentage of respondents who believe enough is being done to help Canadians prepare for climate change	15% Baseline: 13% (2022)	2028Footnote 11
		Priority Climate Data, Services and Assessments	$70,145,117	$15,050,952	Canadians have access to authoritative data and information on climate science	Number of users accessing climate information through CCCS climate information portals	Increase over the preceding year’s resultsFootnote 12  Baseline:179,259 in 2022-23	March 31st, annually

Theme 2 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Disaster Resilience	$441,160,294	$113,491,967	Communities and all people living in Canada are better prepared to prevent, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the hazards, risks and consequences of disasters linked to the changing climate; the well-being and livelihoods of people living in Canada are better protected; and overall disaster risks have been reduced, particularly for vulnerable sectors, regions, and populations at greater risk.	Percentage of Canadians, including northerners and Indigenous Peoples, who are aware of the disaster risks facing their household.	60%	2026
				Percentage of Canadians who have taken concrete actions to prepare for and respond to climate change risks facing their household	50%	2026

Theme 2 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to the department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
NRCan	Core Geospatial Data	Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program	$126,829,136Footnote 13	$36,060,708	Stakeholders access data, information, services and knowledge products	Access index (percentage) that measures access to geospatial data	100%	2025
					High quality, dynamic and current data information, services and knowledge products about Canada’s land, water and infrastructure	Percentage of foundational geospatial data that is current	80%	2025
					Canadians access flood hazard information and maps in order to make informed decision-making related to flood mitigation, land use planning and prevent costly impacts of flooding.	Percentage of targeted high-risk areas covered by current flood hazard maps made available on Open Maps or provincial portals.	90%	2028
	Wildfire Risk Management Program	Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative	$285,033,398	$69,303,066	Stakeholders are engaged in promotion of wildfire risk reduction	Number of provinces and territories that have established inclusiveFootnote 14 governance structures	12	March 31, 2026
					At-risk communities identified by jurisdictions are aware of FireSmart programming.	Percentage of Canadians surveyed in at-risk communities that are aware of FireSmart™ Canada. (GBA+) Disaggregated by gender, community type (i.e., rural, city, suburb, small city/town).	30%	March 31, 2028
					Foundational knowledge on wildland fire risk reduction is produced.	Knowledge production measured by the including project reports, published articles, research reports, theses, handbooks, risk maps, software, methodologies, and databases produced by funded projects.	Not availableFootnote 15	March 31, 2028
					Innovative adaptive forestry practices and wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies are demonstrated in Canada.	Number of regionally representative demonstration sites established across Canada.	5	March 31, 2028
					A FireSmart culture has been adopted nationally, particularly in at-risk communities.	Number of at-risk communities who report having developed a wildfire community prevention and mitigation plan and are considered “FireSmart Ready”. (Disaggregated by distinctions-based groups)	400	March 31, 2028
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Highly Qualified Personnel (HQPs) are trained, including Indigenous fire practitioners.	Number of HQPs supported through the program (including Masters students, PhD students, Post Doctoral Fellows, etc.) (Disaggregated by distinctions-based groups)	Not availableFootnote 16	March 2028
					Stakeholders are engaged in the advancement of science and best practices in wildfire innovation and resilience	Number of stakeholder organizations engaged through the Centre of Excellence for Wildfire Innovation and Resilience	10	March 2028
ECCC	Hydrological Services	Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program	$19,330,487	$5,048,604	Canadians have access to authoritative weather and related information to make decisions about their health and safety.	Percentage of program partners rating their satisfaction with Environment and Climate Change Canada's hydrological services as 8 out of 10 or higher.	80%	2025
					Enhanced engineering, analytical services, technical advice and support to other government departments.	Percentage of government departments rating their satisfaction on technical support provided by ECCC as “satisfied” or “very satisfied” on the floodplain mapping file.	80%	2025
PS	Emergency Prevention/Mitigation	Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program	$9,967,273	$3,079,589	Stakeholders are aware of available flood modelling	Percentage of federal partners who report that they have or plan to use the modelling information for policy development, decision making and/or science advancement	80%	2025
					Canada-wide flood risk model is used by PS’ flood resilience initiatives (e.g. Flood Risk Portal, Federally Identified Flood Risk Areas, Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements, Flood Insurance)	Percentage of PS programming and initiatives using the Canada-wide model	80%	2025

Theme 3 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Health and Wellbeing	$81,627,738	$17,370,239	Peoples living in Canada and health system actors are resilient to the health effects of climate change	Percentage of health system actorsFootnote 17 who state that their climate-resilience is increasing	20% over baseline	2028
				Percentage of First Nations funding recipients who agreed or strongly agreed that their CCHAP projects improved their community’s ability to adapt to climate change	90%	2028
				Percentage of Inuit funding recipients who agreed or strongly agreed that their CCHAP projects improved their community’s ability to adapt to climate change	90%	2028

Theme 3 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to the department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
HC	Climate Change Program	Building Climate-Resilient and Low-Carbon Health Systems	$12,995,154	$2,599,031	Health system actors and other relevant sectors are aware of the health risks of climate change and evidence-based adaptation measures	Percentage of health authoritiesFootnote 18 that have completed climate change and health vulnerability and adaptation assessments	50%	2028
					Funded health system actors and other relevant sectors take action to reduce the health effects of climate change	Percentage of funded health system actors that have taken evidence-based adaptation measures to reduce the health effects of climate change	100%	2028
		Protecting the Health of Canadians from Extreme Heat	$29,861,584	$7,417,008	People in Canada are aware of evidence-based protective measures to reduce heat-related health risks	Percentage of people in Canada who are aware of heat-related health risks and evidence-based health protective measures	10% over baseline	2028
					People in Canada are resilient to the health impacts of heat	Percentage of health regionsFootnote 19 implementing evidence-based adaptation measures to protect health from extreme heat	80%	2026
ISC Note: This includes $134,200 ongoing from B2017 funding. Total of 671,000 ($134,200 for five years) will be used to achieve targets of TB-Sub #840937. Existing funding is used for the achievement of the targets as well.	Public Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program	Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program	$36,771,000	$7,354,200	Indigenous communities in the North have increased capacity to manage priority climate change and health risks	Number of funded projects (over five years)	80	2028
						Percentage of CCHAP North projects that have improved the ability of Indigenous communities to adapt to climate change	90%	2026
		Climate Resilient Health Systems	$2,000,000	$0	First Nations and Inuit health partners have the supports needed to identify vulnerabilities and build climate resilient health systems	Percentage of First Nations and Inuit communities represented in the engagements on health systems resiliency	50%	2026Footnote 20
					GBA+	Percentage of First Nations and Inuit communities represented in the engagements on health systems resiliency, by distinction	First Nations: 50% Inuit: 30%	2026Footnote 21

Theme 4 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Infrastructure	$643,345,745	$67,830,444	Robust guidance, codes and standards covering the top climate change risks for key public infrastructure systems are available to be adopted by all infrastructure decision-makers and inform infrastructure investments to increase the resilience of communities	Number of standardization strategies advanced that incorporate climate change considerations.	50	2028
				Number of new standards and guidance documents produced	40	2028
				Percentage of approved DMAF projects that have adopted high standards or best practices	100% of all DMAF funded projects	2033

Theme 4 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to the department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
HICC	Public Infrastructure and Communities Policy	Low-carbon and Resilience Requirements and Climate Toolkit	$94,700,000	$27,000,000	Users have access to data, resources, and tools to support low carbon climate resilient infrastructure planning.	Number of users accessing data, resources, and tools from the Climate Toolkit and support from the help desk.	Increasing annual trend. Baseline: 0	2028
					Communities are using data, resources, and tools to inform climate resilience and mitigation in their infrastructure assessments and have enhanced capacity to consider climate impacts in planning and design activities.	Percentage of users that indicate they are better equipped to consider climate change in their infrastructure project following use of the Climate Toolkit and supports	70%	2028
	Allocation-Based and Direct Funding Stewardship	Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) top-up	$489,100,000	$28,500,000	Increased ability of communities to adapt to and withstand climate change impacts, disasters triggered by natural hazards and extreme weather events	Percentage of increased resilience, comprised of the following four sub-indicators: Percentage of directly affected people by hazard Percentage of local economic losses per hazard Percentage of population without essential services during hazard Number of missing people/lives lost	4.5% average across all sub-indicators	2033
NRC HICC Note: This activity is a joint responsibility between NRC and HICC.	Climate Resilient Built Environment Initiative Public Infrastructure and Communities Policy	Climate-informed Guidance, Standards and Codes	$30,095,600	$6,365,200	The development of new and improved building codes, regulations, standards, and guides to take action against top climate change risks is accelerated	Number of updates made to codes/standards	10Footnote 22	2028
			$12,070,145	$2,705,244	Construction sector’s capacity to address climate change and extreme weather events is increased	Number of decision-making tools updated or developed for management of public infrastructure	10	2028
					The use of building codes, regulations, standards, and guides developed to improve resiliency to climate change is increased	Number of downloads and orders – National Model Codes and User’s Guides in electronic and paper formats	1.4M over 5 years.	2028
					Building construction products are more resilient to climate hazards	Number of building products evaluated for climate change considerations	125	2028
					Buildings and infrastructure are more resilient and prepared for climate change	Number of Canadian jurisdictions that have adopted new climate-resilient codes in the National Infrastructure and Building Codes	14 jurisdictions for both the 2025 and 2030 editions of the National Infrastructure and Building Codes	2032
SCC	N/A	Supporting Resilient Infrastructure in the Face of a Changing Climate	$17,380,000	$3,260,000	New climate resilient standardization strategies (e.g., standards and guidance) are identified to design, build and operate climate-resilient assets and systems across Canada	Number of standardization strategies advanced (i.e., strategy fully scoped, and contract signed with program delivery partner if required) that incorporate climate change considerations	Cumulative target: 50	2028
					Climate resilient standardization strategies (e.g., standards and guidance) developed under SSRIP are integrated into resilience requirements	Qualitative assessment conducted by SCC to provide evidence that standardization strategies developed under SSRIP are being referenced into resilience requirements (e.g., procurement documents, building requirements)	1 qualitative assessment published	2028

Theme 5 details

Name of theme	Total federal theme funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 federal theme planned spending (dollars)	Theme outcome(s)	Theme performance indicator(s)	Theme target(s)	Date to achieve theme target
Economy and Workers	$41,377,205	$11,283,521	Communities and businesses are adapting to climate change	Percentage of Canadian communities and businesses that have taken steps to adapt to climate change	Communities 80% Natural resource sector businesses 60%	2027

Theme 5 horizontal initiative activities

Departments	Link to the department’s program inventory	Horizontal initiative activity (activities)	Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity expected result(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity performance indicator(s)	2025–26 horizontal initiative activity target(s)	Date to achieve horizontal initiative activity target
NRCan	Climate Change Adaptation Program	Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program	$41,377,205	$11,283,521	Increased access to information about climate change impacts and adaptation by coastal communities	Number of downloads of coastal adaptation resources	40,000	2028
						Percentage of communities reporting they have access to the information they need to develop adaptation solutions	75%	2027
					Coastal communities’ climate resilience is increased through the implementation of regional adaptation pilot projects.	Number of regional-scale pilot projects undertaken	25	2028
						Percentage of total communities participating in pilot projects that are Indigenous or rural and remote	Indigenous 15% Rural and remote 30%	2028
					Coastal communities are more resilient as adaptation to climate change is included in plans and strategies.	Percentage of communities reporting they include adaptation to climate change in plans and strategies	55%	2027
						Percentage increase of plans and strategies for pilot projects integrating adaptation to climate change	70%	2028

Total spending, all themes

Theme	Total federal funding, including legacy funding, allocated since the last renewal (dollars)	2025–26 total federal planned spending (dollars)
Theme 1	$810,742,423	$50,690,856
Theme 2	$441,160,294	$113,491,967
Theme 3	$81,627,738	$17,370,239
Theme 4	$643,345,745	$67,830,444
Theme 5	$41,377,205	$11,283,521
Total, all themes	$2,018,253,405	$260,667,027

Climate Change Mitigation

The Climate Change Mitigation Horizontal Initiative Supplementary Table is undergoing final review and confirmation across implicated federal departments. The table will be published on this web page as soon as it is finalized. Please check here later for further updates, or reach out to Danielle Lafontaine (danielle.Lafontaine@ec.gc.ca) for more information.